In a speech this past week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked President Joe Biden for all of the aid that the Biden administration continues to provide to Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia. 

Zelensky gave the speech at the National Archives on Thursday.

"There is not a soul in Ukraine that does not feel gratitude to you, America," Zelensky said.

He added, "To you, the people who help us not because you have to but because your heart cannot let you do otherwise."

Times have changed

While Zelensky and Biden have met several times since Russia invaded Ukraine, in February 2022, this week's visit was only Zelensky's second trip to Washington, D.C.

The two trips could not have been any more different. Although, in one important regard, the trips were the same.

The part that was the same was Zelensky asking for more assistance, while the Biden administration and many members of Congress vowed to do everything they could to get him the assistance.

But, everything else was different. During the first trip, Zelensky essentially received a hero's welcome. The reader will likely remember how he was invited to give a speech before Congress.

This time, however, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) refused to allow Zelensky to address Congress. And, not only that, but it appears that Zelensky, this time, faced far more opposition to the sending of more U.S. aid to Ukraine, particularly from House Republicans.

What about America?

As stated earlier, Zelensky thanked the American people for their continuing support of Ukraine. It is not the American people, however, whom Zelensky ought to be thanking.

Recent polling has made it clear that, if the American people had it their way, they would not continue to provide support to Ukraine.

CNN reports:

Most Americans oppose Congress authorizing more funding to support Ukraine in its war with Russia, according to an August CNN poll conducted by SSRS. Overall, 55% say the US Congress should not authorize additional funding to support Ukraine vs. 45% who say Congress should authorize such funding. And, 51% say that the US has already done enough to help Ukraine while 48% say it should do more.

Rather, who Zelensky really thanked are the politicians, including President Biden, who continue to give money to Ukraine despite the fact that the American people no longer want to do so.

America has already agreed to give over $100 billion to Ukraine. When is it ever going to be enough? When is it ever going to end?